Darwin Núñez Nears Premier League Return, Report Says

Uruguayan striker Darwin Núñez is set for an unexpected return to Liverpool after ending his contract with Saudi club Al-Hilal, leaving him available on a free transfer during the current window. The move was first reported by journalist Martín Charquero, who covers the Uruguayan national team. Núñez, 26, is expected to join the squad led by manager Andoni Iraola, who succeeded Arne Slot at the English club.

His spell in Saudi Arabia ended earlier than anticipated after a difficult run of results and a loss of prominence following the arrival of French striker Karim Benzema in February. That change eventually led to Núñez being left out of Al-Hilal’s domestic league roster. In the 2025/26 Saudi Pro League season, he recorded six goals and four assists in 16 appearances.

Reports from Portuguese newspaper A Bola said Núñez earned about €462,000 per week at Al-Hilal, more than double what he previously made in England. Despite the lucrative salary, he reportedly chose to prioritize his sporting career and gave up the large paycheck in order to return to Europe’s top level.

This will be Núñez’s second spell at Anfield. Liverpool originally signed him from Benfica for €75 million, with performance-related add-ons that could have lifted the total to €100 million, on the recommendation of then-manager Jürgen Klopp. Four years after that major investment, Núñez now has another chance at the club, this time arriving on a free transfer.

While transfer talks continue, Núñez remains focused on international duty with Uruguay at the 2026 World Cup in North America. He is one of the team’s key attacking figures alongside Real Madrid star Federico Valverde. Uruguay is competing in Group H, which also includes Spain, Cabo Verde and Saudi Arabia.